Hey, I work in logistics and It's a a small town city with about 12,322 people. Household incomes average around $59,451 in Baker. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Any advice would be great. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
11 upvotes
12 Replies
Matthew White
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Downtown area are solid. Kids love it here.
32 upvotes
Mia Johnson
noted, appreciate it
31 upvotes
Alexander Nelson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it's not perfect but it works for me. Compared to San Francisco it's better than expected.
27 upvotes
Leah Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 34, moved here 13 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Greenfield and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Can feel isolated
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Greenfield: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- South: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
25 upvotes
Oliver G.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want healthcare, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
24 upvotes
Everly Allen
same here
24 upvotes
Skylar Collins
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 4 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
24 upvotes
Emilia Thompson
big facts right here
21 upvotes
Mason Lewis
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Minneapolis, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Affordable housing options
- The community vibe scene is solid
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Definitely worth checking out..
19 upvotes
Sadie Brooks
good to know, thanks
5 upvotes
Kai Moore
seconding this
4 upvotes
Jordan T.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Fairview for 14 years. Moved from Houston for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is decent - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Fairview schools are decent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited high-paying job options. Far from beaches/mountains. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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